RUTH'S SHOOTS

If you are building a pond, make sure that animals can get in and out easily; incorporate shallow, sloping sides and rocks for them to use.

RUTH'S SHOOTS

A good way to prevent "green water" in your pond is to stuff the legs of an old pair of stockings with barley straw. Tie the ends, attach a weight and throw it in the pond. Do this early in the season so that the straw has a chance to start decomposing before the Summer. This is much cheaper than buying proprietary brands of barley mat.